Green Teams

What's involved and how do I do it?

What does a Team Organizer do?

The Team Organizer initiates the first outreach to his or her family, neighbors, co-workers, members of their faith communities or other community organizations in order to form a team.

What is the Green Team program?

San Francisco Bay Area GreenTeam Project is a Bay Area-based non-profit organization under The Tides Center that teaches ecological sustainability in group settings.

What's your purpose?

Our purpose is to engender earth-friendly lifestyle practices in small groups.

What happens in a Green Team meeting?

In a safe, non-judgmental setting, members share what they know, what they are already doing to live a greener lifestyle, and receive support from others to take new, earth-friendly practices.

Why do you use a team approach?

As it has been shown in Weight Watchers and 12-step groups, we both learn behavior in social groups and change that behavior best as part of a supportive group where others are trying to make the same personal changes.

Who will lead the process?

A trained and supervised coach is assigned to each team by the Green Team Project, and supports and facilitates the process. The coach attends the first and last meeting, with the other meetings led by team members. The coach prepares each team member before they lead their meeting.

Is the Team Organizer given any support in their endeavor?

The Team Organizer may call the Green Team Office at (415) 546-1231 or 546-1233 at any time and ask for help. the Team Manager will also be calling you from time to time to see how all is progressing.

What will hold the team together throughout the six sessions?

Common interests and growing friendships, and the help of your Coach.

What are the responsibilities of the Team Organizer?

1) To locate and contact potential participants.

2) To distribute information about the Green Team program.

3) To invite likely participants to a Kick-off meeting.

4) To inform the Team Manager of the date and location of the Kick-off meeting.

5) To help prepare for the Kick-off meeting.

6) To develop a roster of all people contacted.

What resources will be used in our meetings?

There are three primary resources used in our program. First we have a workbook which lays out the meetings and supplies the "homework" one chooses to do between meetings. The second is this web site with information about resources in your community. The third is your coach and team mates as part of the class discussion. The coach, workbook, website, and your team mates work together to support your quest toward sustainability.

How can I get people to join a Green Team?

A. Think of all the likely prospects you can and form a contact list. Don't forget friends, family and neighbors.

B. Arrange the time and place of the Kick-off meeting, to last about an hour. Refreshments can be served at the Kick-off. It is also good to have name tags ready and chairs arranged in a circle in a large, comfortable room. If children are coming, arrange for adequate childcare.

C. Contact people on your list and tell them about the program, and invite them to the Kick-off meeting. Tell them why you thought they might be interested in it. Leave informational flyers with them and ask permission to contact them again.

D. Get permission to place flyers in neighborhood stores, cafes, public libraries, your workplace, church bulletin boards, etc. and then place flyers around your community.

E. Submit catchy "info blurbs" to your local papers or neighborhood association newsletters. For assistance, call the Green Team office at (650) 962-9876 ex 309.

F. Attend street fairs or gatherings where people who have an interest in ecology might gather. Tell them about the program and hand out flyers. Ask them to fill out a sign-up sheet for more information. For these materials, call the Green Team office.

G. Contact environmental and gardening organizations with your idea, and ask them to announce the opportunity at their meetings. (Sierra Club, Audubon Society, community health and toxics groups, Green Party, garden clubs, etc.)

H. Call back all those on the list, answering their questions and inviting them to the Kick-off meeting. Be sure to explain the commitment of 6 meetings and $25. If a reduced fee of $15 or full scholarship is needed, tell them this is also possible.

I. If the person wants to join a team, add his/her name, address and phone number to the Kick-off list. If a person remains undecided, call back in a week.

J. Be sure to aim for twice the number that you need for a team. The best number for a team is between six and eight households. If you want a seven-household team, be sure to invite at least 14 persons to come to your event. The worst that can happen is that you form two teams instead of one! If you run into trouble, you can contact your Team Manager to discuss how you may improve the responses you're getting.

K. Call the Green Team office and tell them how many households you have and when the team can come together for the Kick-off. The office will arrange for a Coach to attend.

L. Contact each member during the last 72 hours before the event to remind him/her of the following: a) time and place b) bring a calendar or datebook

M. Attend the Kick-off and let others know why you want to do the program. You'll be sure to get some help from past team graduates and your future Coach!

©1998 The Green Team Project/The Tides Center

Web Resources: Waste Chemicals Energy Transport Water Community

Green Team Home Page - Forming a GreenTeam - Green Products

This page last updated on 8-29-05.
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